2026
6th Annual Artist Exhibit
Green Book of Tampa Bay celebrated the opening of its 6th Annual Art Exhibition, Blooming in Black, on Saturday, May 30, at The Studio@620. The evening brought together artists, supporters, community leaders, and art enthusiasts for a vibrant celebration of Black creativity, resilience, and cultural expression. Guests filled the gallery space to experience an inspiring collection of artwork created by talented Black artists from across the Tampa Bay region. The exhibition showcased a diverse range of artistic styles and perspectives, each reflecting the theme, Blooming in Black, in some way.
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed live performances and meaningful conversations with artists. The success of this year's opening would not have been possible without the support of our artists, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and everyone who attended. Green Book of Tampa Bay extends its sincere gratitude to all who helped make the evening a memorable celebration of art and culture.
Second Saturday Art Walks for the Artist Residency Program
During the 5th Artist Residency Program, artist residents actively engaged with the local arts community through monthly participation in the Second Saturday ArtWalk in the Warehouse Arts District. This recurring public-facing opportunity allowed residents to present works in progress, connect with collectors and community members, and gain valuable experience exhibiting their artwork in a professional setting.
4th Annual Black Art Gala
On January 18th, the Fourth Annual Black Art Gala transformed Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center into a living, breathing celebration of Black creativity, culture, and community. From powerful performances by Kalib, Taylor Moon, Jay Rod the MC, Kai Baez, and Queen of Ex to a vibrant Artist Village showcasing over 20 visual artists from across Tampa Bay, the evening honored both artistic excellence. Hosted by EJ Greig and presented in partnership with the Black Art Gala Foundation and the Green Book of Tampa Bay, the gala uplifted Black artists and visionaries while reaffirming the power of art as both expression and economic catalyst. Thank you to our artists, presenters, sponsors, and community for making this night unforgettable.
2025
Artist Residency “Residential Roots” Exhibit Artist Talk
The exhibit “Residential Roots” showcases the talented artists selected for the Green Book of Tampa Bay’s 2025 Artist Residency Program. The exhibit features the work of resident artists Banjofunk, Distinctly Bella, Karel Garcia, Larry Williams, Renee Cohen Diggs, Tamia Iman Kennedy, Tavia Reyes, and lead artist Brianna McCord. The residency is generously sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation. At the artist panel, past residents Isabelle Dalrymple, Karel Garcia de Leon, Renee Diggs, Tamia Iman Kennedy, and lead artist Brianna McCord reflected on finding their voices, honing their practices, and the meaning behind the work they create. Through personal stories and shared wisdom, the evening centered on their experiences in the residency and art as both expression and connection. Deep thanks to our moderator, Camille Adrienne, owner of Art Noire Gallery, and to everyone who showed up ready to listen, learn, and build community.
Artist Residency “Residential Roots” Exhibit Opening Reception
The exhibit “Residential Roots” showcases the talented artists selected for the Green Book of Tampa Bay’s 2025 Artist Residency Program. The exhibit features the work of resident artists Banjofunk, Distinctly Bella, Karel Garcia, Larry Williams, Renee Cohen Diggs, Tamia Iman Kennedy, Tavia Reyes, and lead artist Brianna McCord. The residency is generously sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation. At the opening reception on December 9, 2025, guests experienced an intimate look into each resident’s creative journey. Guests also enjoyed live music by Ari Chi and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Soul de Cuba.
One Night Only Summer Concert Series
The One Night Only Summer Series at The Studio@620 wrapped up with two unforgettable evenings that highlighted the depth and range of Tampa Bay’s local music scene. On July 26, Ari Chi and Shelby Sol performed. Then, on August 15, Zeta The Babe and JayRod the MC performed. Together, their performances showcased the diversity of artistry thriving in the community. The Summer Series proved why local artistry deserves the spotlight.
Resilient Reflections- 5th Annual Artist Exhibit
The opening night of our annual Juneteenth art exhibition was unreal! The Poet Dennis Rodney Jr. kicked off the performances with his dynamic spoken word set. Then, Brian Peret performed his energetic and beautiful saxophone set. And Shevonne closed down the house with her incredible voice and indie vibes. We heard from a panel of some of the exhibit’s artists, specifically Azura, A&J Inspirations, Kyle Brown, and Lrys World. Camille Washington, owner of Art Noire Gallery, was the moderator of the panel. Special thanks to our event sponsors Peter Van Dyke, We Art St. Pete, Asilia Law Firm, and Strickland Law. And finally, thanks to our mural sponsor Gobioff Foundation and photobooth sponsor ASC Money LLC.
Paint and Sip Business Owner Mixer
In collaboration with the Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce, we had a mixer at Painting with a Twist in April. We also had light refreshments, plenty of laughs, and vibrant canvases.
3rd Annual Black Art Gala
This event showcased 22 visual artists and stage performances, and we also presented awards to five outstanding community members. This event was sponsored by The Tampa Edition, Symphonic Distribution, Armature Works, Gobioff Foundation, Life of the Party, Rum Zacapa, Crown Royala, and Bay First Bank.
2024
Expanded Views Artist Talk
This two-person exhibition featured the two artists from our first residency, Bre Gobin and Myiah Pink. During this event, the authors talked about their work and inspirations. This residency was sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Pinellas, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, and the State of Florida.
Expanded Views Paint and Sip
This two-person exhibition featured the two artists from our first residency, Bre Gobin and Myiah Pink. During this event, Bre Gobin led a painting class inspired by one of the paintings in the exhibit. This residency was sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Pinellas, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, and the State of Florida.
Resilient Reflections- 4th Annual Artist Exhibit
We commemorated Juneteenth with our exhibit “Resilient Reflections,” a group art exhibition featuring the work of 19 artists. On opening night, we had 3 performances and an artist panel. This exhibit was on display the whole month of June. This was sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation and St. Pete Distillery, among many in-kind donations.
2nd Saturday Art Walk Scavenger Hunt
During St Pete’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk in September, Green Book hosted a business owner mixer during which participants experienced a scavenger hunt of the Historic Deuces Neighborhood. The stops included the Warehouse Arts District, Uniquely Arts Studio, Urban Drinkery, The Catalyst, and Jugler’s Old Time Tradition Gallery.
2023
3rd Annual Artist Exhibit
This exhibit was up all of June 2023 and showcased 14 visual artists. The opening night event, which included an artist panel and 3 stage performances, was sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation.
Reimagine Art Exhibit
In February 2023, we partnered with The Well for Life to put on the Reimagine art exhibit, featuring artists impacted by the criminal legal system. It was hosted at the Tully-Levine ArtsXchange in the Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) in St. Petersburg. The exhibit included works by local and national Black artists, such as Alfred Cleveland, Catherine E. Weaver, Anthony Williams, and others, who use their art to share stories, dreams, and visions for new futures.
Happy Soul Festival
Since 2023, the Green Book of Tampa Bay has been a proud sponsor of the Happy Soul Festival in the Deuces.
2022
An Anthology of Voices
In June 2022, we partnered with the American Griot podcast to put on an event that honored local artists whose instruments were their voices. During this event called, we were able to grant these 8 performers a $500 unrestricted grant to continue their work. This grant was sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation.
Journey to Emancipation- 2nd Annual Artist Exhibit
This exhibit was up all of June 2022 and showcased 14 visual artists. The opening night event, which included an artist panel and 3 stage performances, was sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation and Mermosa Wines.
22 South Art Exhibits
In 2022, the Urban Collective became managing partners of the Manhattan Casino, naming it 22 South Food Hall. Each month, we curated five artist exhibits that showcased the work of Green Book listed artists.
1st Annual Artist Black Art Gala
This event celebrated achievements in African-American Art and Entertainment with over 40 visual artists, performing artists, special guests, and community awards. Sponsors included the Gobioff Foundation, Jack Daniels, Demps Law Firm, Symphonic Distribution, and Rose Bar.
Crowns Business Owner Mixer
In February 2022, we went to the Straz Center in Tampa with business owners to see the play Crowns.
2021
Motherland Festival on the Deuces
Though not our event, Green Book of Tampa Bay co-founder Joshua Bean was invited to emcee this festival!
Artists of Green Book- 1st Annual Artist Exhibit
This event showcased 11 visual artists and 3 stage performances. It was our first entrance into the art space, making our dreams come true.
